I finally got the "red dot" 950. I can say without a doubt that the improved version has a MUCH MUCH lower noise floor than my previous unit. Previously, I only noticed the "hiss" with analog channels (VCR, tuner, TV)but now I finally hear silence!!!

First thing I noticed is that I need to increase the speaker gains about 2-3 db per channel.

All I can tell people is to be patient, because this processor IS the best bang for your buck. If you look at my older posts, I was comparing it to my Meridian 561 which is VERY unfair considering the price differences!!

Second thing is that the 3 second on screen delay is now gone??? That was my favorite setting since 0 is worthless and 5 is way too long. I would like to see a 1 or 2 second delay honestly.

I have yet to really put the processor through its paces, but will keep everyone updated...........

Thanks for describing those differences between the "original" 950 and the "red dot" version. Looking forward to hearing about any other differences you find when you put it through more of its paces.

gchon,
Thank you for the update. If you have the chance, could you please tell us if the updated model remembers the speaker settings for each surround mode individually or if it is still global.
Thanks,

I got my updated 950 today as well. My original unit had a small amount of hiss with analog (CD - my only analog source). I wasn't aware of hiss under most conditions, and was somewhat reluctant to ask for a replacement. In the end though I decided to go for the upgrade. Well after much listening tonight , I am thrilled with the new unit! Gchon is right..there is a very noticeable improvement in noise floor. Hiss is now gone unless I put my ear right up to the speaker. As far as I can tell the problem is fixed. I have to give the Outlaws credit for taking the time to get it right (at no small expense). For those people still waiting..hang in there! All I can say is it was worth the wait.

Hmm...

------------------
Matthew J. Hill
matt@idsi.net

I received my replacement unit on Tuesday, but I was out of town until today. I hooke dit up tonight and I concur with everything Elvis and GChon have said.

I received my replacement unit on Tuesday, but I was out of town until today. I hooked it up tonight and I concur with everything Elvis and GChon have said.

I'm gettin my replacement in a few days too. Based on what I am reading, I'm gonna be keeping the new unit... Still, I find it hard to believe that the noise floor can be lower... discounting any hiss. Maybe those who have reported so far are saying the noise floor is lowered because of the lack of hiss.???
Guess I can find out for myself shortly.

Got my replacement this evening. I think the Outlaws are nice to let us compare our original 950 to the new red-dot 950. In my case, they are allowing me to compare those two and also an intermediate unit they sent in mid June. I have to return two (two of the three) very soon, so I'm frantically comparing all three. There's the original 950 (circa early May), and the intermediate hiss-fixed 950 (circa mid June), and lastly the red-dot hiss-fixed 950 (from today, early September).

In terms of letting people compare units, the Outlaws are great!

My initial impression is the original 950 and the red-dot 950 sound similar. The red-dot 950 won't crank as loud. But the intermediate 950 from mid June sounds different (less harsh).

The 3 second OSD is in the original 950 but it is not in the intermediate or red-dot unit.


[This message has been edited by Will (edited September 06, 2002).]

Will: any changes, sonic or otherwise, with the analog bypasses (2 channel and 5.1)? Is the BM still always on in these inputs?